King George V Playing Field
Newcastle Emlyn Fun Day & Raft Race is to be held on Saturday 29th May starting at 11am
Recent Newsletter
Welcome to the King George V Playing Field Association in Newcastle Emlyn, the main children’s playground and outdoor recreational area for the town’s children, which backs on to the main car park.
Below we explain how the facility is run, who owns and manages it, and the plans for its future.
Frequently asked questions:
Who owns the King George V Playing Field in Newcastle Emlyn, and who runs and manages the facility?
To cut a long story short, the Playing Field was gifted to the town of Newcastle Emlyn by King George V. Although the town, via the council, has been responsible for the upkeep of the land in the past, it was felt that its interests would be best served by a separate committee. The King George V Playing Field Association, which has been in existence for almost three decades, is a registered charity, and meets monthly in Newcastle Emlyn to discuss and plan fund-raising events and the maintenance of the grounds.
How is the facility paid for?
The playground is funded entirely by charitable donation, though the Association also applies for grant funding – over the last 2 years, we have been successful in attracting over £100,000 in external funding, including a National Lottery award of £50,000. Otherwise, we are reliant on regular fund-raisers, such as the town’s annual bonfire and fireworks display which takes place on November 5th at the castle in Newcastle Emlyn. We also run Fun Days, Bingo nights, quiz nights, car-boot sales and other events to raise money. Suggestions are always welcome - and helpers are always needed!
What is the County Council’s role and responsibility concerning the playground?
Unfortunately, because the land is owned by a charitable trust, the playground does not come under Carmarthenshire County Council ownership. This means the County Council has no legal responsibility to look after or to fund the facility. The Town Council no longer has direct responsibility for the land either, because ownership has been passed to the King George V Playing Field Association charity.
Who is on the King George V Playing Field Association committee?
Anyone is welcome to join the committee, which until recently had just a handful of regular members. Numbers have increased again recently, following a renewed appeal for fresh members. The King George V Playing Field Association is currently chaired by Sue Tabbitt, a local parent. Most members of the committee are parents and other local residents who give their time voluntarily and work tirelessly to try to maintain and improve the state of the playground.
What can the local public do if they want to get involved?
First and foremost, please join the committee. Secondly, please give your time to helping with fund-raising events. At the very least, please support them by attending these activities, and by inviting friends and family.
Where are meetings held?
Monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of the month, at 8pm, at the Coopers Arms pub, near CKs. Anyone is welcome to attend, and new members can be voted on at any meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Monday 1st March, 2010, at the usual time and place.
How can I contact the committee?
The committee has a general email address: kgv.newcastleemlyn@googlemail.com
Alternatively, please contact the current chair, Sue Tabbitt, at: sue.tabbitt@gmail.com or tel. 07890 661459
Or Drikje Vingerhoet, Treasurer: hevi@hotmail.co.uk tel: 07814 243054
How can I find out what’s going on with the playground on an ongoing basis?
We make good use of the local press, as well as the notice-board in the playground itself. Also, watch this space.